Trudy McConnell, a longtime Palm Beacher, is relatively new to the fashion game, though she’s been an avid collector of artisan-crafted items for several decades.

On a trip to Bali in 2004, in the wake of the devastating terrorist bombings, McConnell noticed that the island’s main industry, tourism, was at a standstill and times appeared to be pretty difficult for the natives.

On a day when currents were too strong to dive, she happened to visit the family compound of her diving master, and saw firsthand how the rural village culture was struggling at the time.

In order to aid the villagers, McConnell bought every handwoven Ate grass baskets she could find.

The tightly woven baskets have been made in Bali since the 11th century, she said.

Since her trip, McConnell created a company called Dewi and has sold the handwoven basket bags privately in order to give back to the Balinese villagers.

The bags, shown up top, are made from sustainable grass that grows alongside the rice fields on the island, with recycled mahogany wood handles and other elements, McConnell said.

She calls them “wearable works of art” that do good for the people of Bali.